Floods rescue volunteers honoured by prime minister

Séamus Kearns and other Surrey Search and Rescue volunteers attended a special reception at 10 Downing Street on Monday

Séamus Kearns (front second from the right) and members of Surrey Search & Rescue at 10 Downing Street

A Surrey Search & Rescue volunteer received the new Point of Light Award from Prime Minister David Cameron at a special reception at 10 Downing Street on Monday (April 7).

The new award scheme aims to recognise the outstanding work of volunteers in the UK, and was presented to Séamus Kearns - founder of the voluntary search and rescue organisation - for his role in helping victims of the floods that struck the country earlier this year.

Mr Kearns, 28, from Bagshot, travelled to London with six colleagues for a reception hosted by Mr Cameron in recognition of the 'Flood Hero' award he received from ITV's Daybreak programme.

Mr Kearns was one of a group of volunteers who spent seven days and nights wading through contaminated floodwater to rescue people in Chertsey and Egham during February's River Thames flooding.

Mr Kearns and his team survived on little sleep to go to the aid of scores of stranded residents.

"I don't consider what I did to be heroic, but just part of the thousands of hours each year donated by Surrey SAR members," he said.

Joe Sardo from Surrey 4x4 Response was also one of those to attend the reception.

The Prime Minister announced the Point of Light awards at the event, heralding "the extraordinary things done during the storms and floods in terms of community service".

In a personal letter to Mr Kearns, Mr Cameron said: "Your efforts to ensure no one in your local community was left vulnerable in their homes during the floods was nothing short of inspirational.

"I believe it is my duty as Prime Minister to hold up examples of great volunteering and service as an example for others.

"Through your hard work and dedication you are making our communities stronger and our countries a better place.

"On behalf of the whole country, I hope this Point of Light Award can be a small way of saying thank you."

At Monday's reception Mr Cameron also announced that £500,000 would be available for community foundations around the country in the areas that have been flooded, and £4 million, raised from Libor fines, will be used to help pay for uniforms and training for volunteer rescue services.

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She has been editorial director of the online and print titles in Surrey and north-east Hampshire since 2007. Marnie previously worked at the BBC as a producer for 5 Live, having moved to national radio from BBC Sussex and Surrey.